Lamar County residents say their county needs a new sports facility and an upgraded library system — input they gave recently when asked to comment on the county's latest comprehensive plan.

Lamar County Board of Supervisors heard about those and other county wants and needs at its meeting Thursday, when the county plan was put up for a vote. It was approved 5-0.

The 20-year plan was outlined briefly by Emlyn Jackson with Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, which wrote the plan based on input from various county entities, including citizens.

"Forty-five percent of the residents who responded to a survey said that a sportsplex was needed in the county," Jackson said. "The facility will promote more sports opportunities and generate revenue to the local economy."

The sportsplex might include tennis courts and soccer fields, which residents said were needed. District 4 Supervisor Phillip Carlisle said it should be centrally located, while Board President Joe Bounds said two sports complexes might be necessary to serve the entire county.

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Lamar County officials and citizen stakeholders were integral to preparing the comprehensive plan. A series of three-hour listening sessions were held earlier this year for residents, business and property owners, public officials, economic development representatives and neighborhood and community organizations.

They discussed their vision, concerns and priorities for the county's future.

The Lamar County Planning Commission also participated — offering a long-range vision for the county.

Citizen surveys were also included on the county's website, posing questions ranging from growth management and transportation to land use and personal issues. Questions included place of residence, safety concerns, recreational facility usage, use of health care providers, thoughts on residential development and areas of concern.

One area of concern was the county's library system, which has not been keeping pace with growth. The Lamar County Library System has been serving residents since 1997 with small libraries in Sumrall, Oak Grove, Purvis and Lumberton.

"We thought it would be something for the county to consider — either building new libraries or expanding your facilities," Jackson said.

Upgrades to county buildings were also mentioned.

"We have some older, aging buildings with HVAC issues," county administrator Jody Waits said. "As we grow, we have to maintain these buildings.

"We probably have $2 million in needs ranging from energy efficiency upgrades to HVAC repairs and replacement."

"A lot of the things that we have recommended in the plan will require funding sources — maybe reaching out to your partners to assist in some of those funding opportunities," Jackson said.

The last comprehensive plan was adopted in 2007, and the county's population has increased significantly since then. In 2010, it stood at 52,559, increasing by more than 16,500 residents since 2000.

The population is expected to be as many as 82,253 residents by 2039, the last year covered by the comprehensive plan. Lamar County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Mississippi, ranking either second or third in the state.

Transportation needs were discussed. A delegation of state lawmakers was on hand, and county officials made requests for funding for various future projects.